Patrick Gardner '17 wins U.S. Teaching Assistantship in Austria

May 18, 2017 | SHARE:

By: Kaylie Corda '20

Patrick Gardnerhas been selected for the US Teaching Assistantship Program at Austrian Secondary Schools.

This program has provided college graduates from the United States with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to work as secondary school teaching assistants in communities all over Austria. They contribute substantially to the promotion of mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States of America and the Republic of Austria by serving as valuable linguistic models in classroom English instruction.

Learn more about him here:

Hometown: Westwood, Mass

Major: Sociology And Science, Medicine And Technology In Culture

Activities/Clubs: WRUC, Spoon U and U-Program

About: “It was in my junior year of college that I discovered my love for the German language. Intending to participate in a term abroad in Germany, I decided it was in my best interest to register for an introductory German course, as I knew the language would be useful to me in a real-world setting. I have always enjoyed learning foreign languages, as the learning process allows me to bond with people from other cultures and enriches my cultural knowledge of the world. Towards the end of my term in Germany, my professor recommended the U.S. Teaching Assistantship in Austria to me, as she thought it would be a tremendous opportunity for me to improve my German, experience Austrian culture in-depth, and to impact the lives of others. Speaking with former USTAs solidified my interest in the program. I am very enthusiastic to share my knowledge of America with Austrian students, and in return, to learn more about Austrian culture."